Land of the Rising Sun: Japanese Folktales An Annotated Bibliography by Rolando Ramirez and Saba Vahidy
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Celebrating diversity is one of the things public libraries do best. In May of every year, libraries around the country devote the entire month to creating awareness for Asian Pacific American heritage. This idea inspired us to showcase the country of Japan and its rich traditional culture. Japanese literature has a wealth of folktales collected through the ages. Any discussion of classic Japanese folktales would not be complete without the mention of “Momotaro”, the quintessential Peach Boy character who slays the monstrous ogre-like creatures known as Oni. Another noteworthy story is the one of the “Tale of the Bamboo Cutter” which is considered to be one of the oldest written Japanese tales. Traditional stories like these and others discussed below need to be shared with modern young children so they can appreciate centuries old history and tradition. Enjoying stories from other cultures allows children to become knowledgeable and sensitive of the global community.
Momotaro: The Peach Boy story card cover image
Battino, David & Hazuki Kataoka. Momotaro: The Peach Boy (Storycard Theater). Illus. Mario Uribe. 24p. Leaf Moon Arts. $44. (978-0974816104)
This traditional Japanese folktale is presented to young children by using the kamishibai method, also known as paper theater. These picture story cards are small enough to be displayed in a wooden theater frame, yet large enough to capture the vivid images on the cards. The drama of Momotaro unfolds as the storyteller removes card after card, which enhances the suspense and intrigue of the audience. Japanese storytellers have been using the kamishibai format since the 12th century and recently a new revival of the format has begun to happen across Japan.
Kaboodle (2011) states the kamishibai format allows readers of folktales to become storytellers. The format is excellent for the classroom, daycare centers, family gatherings, parties, and for students learning English as a second language.
The Japan Shop (n.d.) stated that the Leaf Moon Arts story card version of this traditional Japanese folktale is excellently illustrated by California artist and Japanese art and culture scholar Mario Uribe and gives children a new and exciting way to experience this tale.
Folktales from Japan book jacket
Devi, Vidya. Folktales from Around the World: Folktales from Japan. 17p. Readworthy Publications (P) Ltd. $0.99. Kindle edition. (B006DI6OM6)
This digital eBook is available to download onto a Kindle reader. The four Japanese folktales reveal the morals and customs followed by the people of Japan by using humorous characters and unusual situations. This is an excellent digital resource for children to explore Japanese folk literature and culture.These tales consist of fables about two frogs and another with a golden horse. The two other folklore tales consisted the tales of Matsuyama's Mirror and the Stone cutter's Wish, which have human characters and life lesson themes.
The author/illustrator has very few pages to illustrate the text in the digital format of the e-Book. However, the illustrations are done exceptionally well depicting the characters in traditional Japanese robes. The human characters in these tales are light complected with black hair that is arranged in a traditional Japanese bun style for both the men and women. The houses, buildings, foliage, and mountainous background shown within these illustrations also authenticate that the tales are placed in the country of Japan. Lush tropical plants are shown with pointed peak, snow-capped mountains in the distance.
The Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited (2009) stated that the book would allow young readers an introductory view of Japanese morals, principles and lifestyle. The limited stories have humorous characters caught in unique situations which make the folktales enjoyable to read. Even though no other reviews were found for this book, the digital format, colorful illustrations and easy to read aloud and simple stories are ideal for teaching young children about traditional Japanese folklore and culture.
This official government website was created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and is available in English, French, German, Spanish and other languages. The website has many interesting features that children can use to explore such as things as Japanese culture, learning common Japanese phrases, reading manga comics strips, playing games, and much more. The website even has a section dedicated to Japanese folk legends that are illustrated with animated pictures and easy to read English text.
Teachers First (2014) stated that Kids Web Japan was a beautifully designed website that allows children to explore Japanese culture from a child’s perspective. The reviewers state that the website has so much to offer children that some direction to the students should be give before they explore the site by themselves. Nita’s Books (2012) reviewed the website as having many excellent features for Japanese culture and language learning.
The Moon Princess book jacket
McCarthy, Ralph F. The Moon Princess. Illus. by Kancho Oda. 47p. Kodansha International. $15.17. (978-4770020994)
This beautifully illustrated English and Japanese bilingual book is a retelling of a traditional Japanese folktale written in verse form. This traditional Japanese folktale has been told for over a thousand years and is also known as “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.” In the story an old man who is a bamboo-cutter, finds an infant in a bamboo stalk and he and his wife raise as their own daughter. The child grows up and becomes so beautiful that she attracts suitors from across the land. She has offers to marry the one who can bring her an impossible item and they all fail. She later reveals that she is a princess from the moon and she must reunite with her people. She returns to the moon and her adoptive parents are saddened by her departure.
The School Library Journal (1994) stated that Mr. McCarthy’s retelling of "The Moon Princess" worked well in the verse format. The reviewer revealed that the illustrations are reprints of golden age Japanese picture books. The art found in the book were reproductions done using inks, watercolors and acrylics, which vividly capture the textures and mastery of artist Kancho Oda. The World of Words Japanese language and culture kit book list stated that Kancho Oda’s illustrations, which were painted a half a century before the book was written enhance the translated English verse text of the folktale by Ralph F. McCarthy (WOW, n.d.).
The Beckoning Cat Book Jacket
Nishizuka, Koko. The Beckoning Cat: Based on a Japanese Folktale. Illus. by Rosanne Litzinger. 2009. 32p. $16.95. Holiday House. (9780823420513)
This story based on a Japanese folktale is about Yohei, a poor boy who lives with his father in a village by the sea where he earns money by selling fish. When his father becomes ill, Yohei is unable to earn enough money to pay for his father's medicine. One day he is visited by a stray white cat, and although hungry himself, he shares his small meal of rice and fish with the sad looking animal. From that day on, the thankful cat leads people with a beckoning gesture to Yohei's home to buy fish.
This is an unassuming yet captivating tale which teaches children the lesson of sharing and friendship. The simple retelling coupled with adorable artwork gives this picture book a magical appeal. The beckoning cat in this story undeniably offers a historical perspective to the ubiquitous waving white figurines placed in businesses for good luck known as Maneki Neko, or fortune cat. However, the source of this particular story is not explicitly stated by the author.
Oyasumi: Japanese Lullabies and Restful Melodies CD cover image
Shimada, Aiko. Oyasumi: Japanese Lullabies and Restful Melodies. 2001. 1 CD. Koto World. $13.25. (B00005QB3U)
This Japanese music CD was composed by Aiko Shimada a native of Japan who migrated to Seattle, Washington when she was 18 years old to learn English and become a singer and songwriter. The relaxing melodies found on this album will provide excellent background music for Japanese folktales story readings for young children. Sixteen song selections are within this collection with titles that reflect Japanese traditions such as "Cherry Blossoms," "Red Dragonfly," "Girls from Three Villages," and "Japanese Lullaby."
Winner of the Parent's Choice Gold Award (2001) and the NAPPA Gold Award (2002), the Parent's Choice review stated that Shimada's voice coupled with koto master Elizabeth Flaconer allows listeners to experience a time of quiet and peace. The School Library Journal (2002) stated that the music provides for a restful and relaxing mood with its light melodies, which are sure to give listeners good dreams. The collection is a mix of Japanese and English original songs and traditional Japanese lullabies.
This beautifully painted picture book is Sierra’s retelling of a well-known Japanese traditional story. Tasty Baby Belly Buttons is a amusing tale of little Uriko-hime who was born in a melon and found by a childless old couple. The Melon Princess’ lack of a navel makes her a brave hero against the monstrous Oni who steal children from the village in order to feast upon their belly buttons. With the help of some animal friends, the fearless young Uriko sets out to rescue the babies from the giant ogres.
The art and text work together to contribute to the cultural presence in the book. The author uses a variety of Japanese onomatopoeic phrases like tsunbara tsunbara, boro boro, and zushin zushin which give the story a rhythmic sound, an important aspect in the oral tradition of storytelling. The big bad Onis’ refrain is also fun to chant out loud. The soft watercolor brush strokes evoke the island of Japan and highlight the delicate kimonos and cherry blossoms. This reworked story with a strong female character is a fresh take on the classic Japanese Peach Boy folktale. In the original version, Momotaro was a boy born from a peach rather than a large melon. An author’s note at the end discusses the origin of the tale and its place in Japanese folklore. Sierra is a well-known picture book author, poet, and folklorist.
Carp Streamers, Falling Rain Book Jacket
Wright, Danielle. Japanese Nursery Rhymes: Carp Streamers, Falling Rain and other Traditional Favorites. Illus. by Helen Acraman. 2011. 32p. Tuttle. $16.95. (9784805311882)
This bilingual multimedia book + CD collection is a wonderful introduction to traditional Japanese nursery rhymes known as Warabe Uta. The fifteen rhymes in the illustrated book are accompanied by text in Japanese script, Japanese in Roman script, and English translation. Each rhyme depicts elements from nature such as rain, birds, snow, or the moon. Other Japanese creatures portrayed are the eel-like fish Dojou and the mythical Tanuki raccoon dog. The assortment of rhymes describes many aspects of traditional Japanese customs including special occasions such as the harvest festival and children’s day holiday. The collection is illustrated in appealing bold colors which show delightful children enjoying special moments like flying a kite or blowing bubbles. Readers are given a taste of traditional Japan costumes with depictions of cultural motifs like kimonos, sandals, bandannas, and umbrellas.
The author has done a commendable job at lending cultural authenticity to her work. A useful pronunciation guide is provided in the front. The author’s introduction reveals many interesting details about the symbols used in Japanese written language. Furthermore, the brief footnotes included throughout explain many of the cultural references mentioned in the nursery rhymes. The collection comes with an audio CD that sets each of the nursery rhymes to gentle music. Listeners can learn the tunes in both Japanese and English as they follow along with the book. This compilation was published by Tuttle Publishing which is distinguished for bringing titles of Japanese culture, history, and art to the world.
S. D., L. "The Beckoning Cat: Based On A Japanese Folktale (Book Review)." Horn Book Magazine 85.3 (2009): 313-314. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.
An Annotated Bibliography by Rolando Ramirez and Saba Vahidy
This traditional Japanese folktale is presented to young children by using the kamishibai method, also known as paper theater. These picture story cards are small enough to be displayed in a wooden theater frame, yet large enough to capture the vivid images on the cards. The drama of Momotaro unfolds as the storyteller removes card after card, which enhances the suspense and intrigue of the audience. Japanese storytellers have been using the kamishibai format since the 12th century and recently a new revival of the format has begun to happen across Japan.
Kaboodle (2011) states the kamishibai format allows readers of folktales to become storytellers. The format is excellent for the classroom, daycare centers, family gatherings, parties, and for students learning English as a second language.
The Japan Shop (n.d.) stated that the Leaf Moon Arts story card version of this traditional Japanese folktale is excellently illustrated by California artist and Japanese art and culture scholar Mario Uribe and gives children a new and exciting way to experience this tale.
This digital eBook is available to download onto a Kindle reader. The four Japanese folktales reveal the morals and customs followed by the people of Japan by using humorous characters and unusual situations. This is an excellent digital resource for children to explore Japanese folk literature and culture.These tales consist of fables about two frogs and another with a golden horse. The two other folklore tales consisted the tales of Matsuyama's Mirror and the Stone cutter's Wish, which have human characters and life lesson themes.
The author/illustrator has very few pages to illustrate the text in the digital format of the e-Book. However, the illustrations are done exceptionally well depicting the characters in traditional Japanese robes. The human characters in these tales are light complected with black hair that is arranged in a traditional Japanese bun style for both the men and women. The houses, buildings, foliage, and mountainous background shown within these illustrations also authenticate that the tales are placed in the country of Japan. Lush tropical plants are shown with pointed peak, snow-capped mountains in the distance.
The Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited (2009) stated that the book would allow young readers an introductory view of Japanese morals, principles and lifestyle. The limited stories have humorous characters caught in unique situations which make the folktales enjoyable to read. Even though no other reviews were found for this book, the digital format, colorful illustrations and easy to read aloud and simple stories are ideal for teaching young children about traditional Japanese folklore and culture.
This official government website was created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and is available in English, French, German, Spanish and other languages. The website has many interesting features that children can use to explore such as things as Japanese culture, learning common Japanese phrases, reading manga comics strips, playing games, and much more. The website even has a section dedicated to Japanese folk legends that are illustrated with animated pictures and easy to read English text.
Teachers First (2014) stated that Kids Web Japan was a beautifully designed website that allows children to explore Japanese culture from a child’s perspective. The reviewers state that the website has so much to offer children that some direction to the students should be give before they explore the site by themselves. Nita’s Books (2012) reviewed the website as having many excellent features for Japanese culture and language learning.
This beautifully illustrated English and Japanese bilingual book is a retelling of a traditional Japanese folktale written in verse form. This traditional Japanese folktale has been told for over a thousand years and is also known as “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.” In the story an old man who is a bamboo-cutter, finds an infant in a bamboo stalk and he and his wife raise as their own daughter. The child grows up and becomes so beautiful that she attracts suitors from across the land. She has offers to marry the one who can bring her an impossible item and they all fail. She later reveals that she is a princess from the moon and she must reunite with her people. She returns to the moon and her adoptive parents are saddened by her departure.
The School Library Journal (1994) stated that Mr. McCarthy’s retelling of "The Moon Princess" worked well in the verse format. The reviewer revealed that the illustrations are reprints of golden age Japanese picture books. The art found in the book were reproductions done using inks, watercolors and acrylics, which vividly capture the textures and mastery of artist Kancho Oda. The World of Words Japanese language and culture kit book list stated that Kancho Oda’s illustrations, which were painted a half a century before the book was written enhance the translated English verse text of the folktale by Ralph F. McCarthy (WOW, n.d.).
This story based on a Japanese folktale is about Yohei, a poor boy who lives with his father in a village by the sea where he earns money by selling fish. When his father becomes ill, Yohei is unable to earn enough money to pay for his father's medicine. One day he is visited by a stray white cat, and although hungry himself, he shares his small meal of rice and fish with the sad looking animal. From that day on, the thankful cat leads people with a beckoning gesture to Yohei's home to buy fish.
This is an unassuming yet captivating tale which teaches children the lesson of sharing and friendship. The simple retelling coupled with adorable artwork gives this picture book a magical appeal. The beckoning cat in this story undeniably offers a historical perspective to the ubiquitous waving white figurines placed in businesses for good luck known as Maneki Neko, or fortune cat. However, the source of this particular story is not explicitly stated by the author.
This Japanese music CD was composed by Aiko Shimada a native of Japan who migrated to Seattle, Washington when she was 18 years old to learn English and become a singer and songwriter. The relaxing melodies found on this album will provide excellent background music for Japanese folktales story readings for young children. Sixteen song selections are within this collection with titles that reflect Japanese traditions such as "Cherry Blossoms," "Red Dragonfly," "Girls from Three Villages," and "Japanese Lullaby."
Winner of the Parent's Choice Gold Award (2001) and the NAPPA Gold Award (2002), the Parent's Choice review stated that Shimada's voice coupled with koto master Elizabeth Flaconer allows listeners to experience a time of quiet and peace. The School Library Journal (2002) stated that the music provides for a restful and relaxing mood with its light melodies, which are sure to give listeners good dreams. The collection is a mix of Japanese and English original songs and traditional Japanese lullabies.
This beautifully painted picture book is Sierra’s retelling of a well-known Japanese traditional story. Tasty Baby Belly Buttons is a amusing tale of little Uriko-hime who was born in a melon and found by a childless old couple. The Melon Princess’ lack of a navel makes her a brave hero against the monstrous Oni who steal children from the village in order to feast upon their belly buttons. With the help of some animal friends, the fearless young Uriko sets out to rescue the babies from the giant ogres.
The art and text work together to contribute to the cultural presence in the book. The author uses a variety of Japanese onomatopoeic phrases like tsunbara tsunbara, boro boro, and zushin zushin which give the story a rhythmic sound, an important aspect in the oral tradition of storytelling. The big bad Onis’ refrain is also fun to chant out loud. The soft watercolor brush strokes evoke the island of Japan and highlight the delicate kimonos and cherry blossoms. This reworked story with a strong female character is a fresh take on the classic Japanese Peach Boy folktale. In the original version, Momotaro was a boy born from a peach rather than a large melon. An author’s note at the end discusses the origin of the tale and its place in Japanese folklore. Sierra is a well-known picture book author, poet, and folklorist.
This bilingual multimedia book + CD collection is a wonderful introduction to traditional Japanese nursery rhymes known as Warabe Uta. The fifteen rhymes in the illustrated book are accompanied by text in Japanese script, Japanese in Roman script, and English translation. Each rhyme depicts elements from nature such as rain, birds, snow, or the moon. Other Japanese creatures portrayed are the eel-like fish Dojou and the mythical Tanuki raccoon dog. The assortment of rhymes describes many aspects of traditional Japanese customs including special occasions such as the harvest festival and children’s day holiday. The collection is illustrated in appealing bold colors which show delightful children enjoying special moments like flying a kite or blowing bubbles. Readers are given a taste of traditional Japan costumes with depictions of cultural motifs like kimonos, sandals, bandannas, and umbrellas.
The author has done a commendable job at lending cultural authenticity to her work. A useful pronunciation guide is provided in the front. The author’s introduction reveals many interesting details about the symbols used in Japanese written language. Furthermore, the brief footnotes included throughout explain many of the cultural references mentioned in the nursery rhymes. The collection comes with an audio CD that sets each of the nursery rhymes to gentle music. Listeners can learn the tunes in both Japanese and English as they follow along with the book. This compilation was published by Tuttle Publishing which is distinguished for bringing titles of Japanese culture, history, and art to the world.
Works Consulted:
"Book Description." Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited. N.p., 2009. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. <http://www.mlbd.com>.
Cooper, Ilene. "Japanese Nursery Rhymes: Carp Streamers, Falling Rain And Other Traditional Favorites (Book Review)." Booklist 108.17 (2012): 95. Article Citation. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.
Engberg, Gillian. "The Beckoning Cat: Based on Japanese Folktale (Book Review)." Booklist 105.12 (2009): 84. Article Citation. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.
Jenks, Carolyn. "Tasty Baby Belly Buttons (Book Review).” School Library Journal 45.5 (1999): 112. Article Citation. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.
Lieu, Nita. "Nita's Books." Nitas Books. [K] Kids Web Japan, 2012. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. <http://nitasbooks.wordpress.com>.
MacMillan, Kathleen Kelly, and Phyllis Levy Mandell. "Oyasumi (Music Recording)." School Library Journal 48.6 (2002): 74. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.
“Momotaro - The Peach Boy (Storycard Theater).” Kaboodle. N.p., 2011. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. <http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/momotaro--the-peach-boy-storycard-theater>.
“Momotaro the Peach Boy Storycard Theater.” www.thejapanshop.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. <http://www.thejapanshop.com/Momotaro-Peach-Boy-Storycard-Theater/dp/B003U4BHSW>.
"Oyasumi: Japanese Lullabies and Restful Songs." Parents' Choice Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. <http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=5292&StepNum=1&award=aw>.
Philbrook, John. "Book Review: Preschool & Primary Grades." School Library Journal 40.2 (1994): 96. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.
S. D., L. "The Beckoning Cat: Based On A Japanese Folktale (Book Review)." Horn Book Magazine 85.3 (2009): 313-314. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.
"Tasty Baby Belly Buttons (Book Review)." Publishers Weekly 246.20 (1999): 79. Article Citation. Web. 19 Apr. 2014
"Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers." Classroom Resources. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. <http://www.teachersfirst.com/index.cfm>.
Tran, Allison. "Japanese Nursery Rhymes: Carp Streamers, Falling Rain And Other Traditional Favorites (Book Review)." School Library Journal 58.3 (2012): 147. Article Citation. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.
World of Words, n.d. Japanese Language and Culture Kit Book List. “The Moon Princess.” Web. 19 Apr. 2014.<http://wowlit.org/links/booklists/japanese-language-and-culture-kit-book-list/>.